ST. CROIX — A new feature film that has been entirely produced on this island, will see its debut on Friday at the James C. Savage Theater (former Good Hope School) in Frederiskted, with another showing happening the following day in the same location.
The film, titled That Which Is Needful, was directed and produced by Peter Sagnia, and began as a stage play about 5-6 years ago. It tells the story of two brothers who inherited their father’s company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Both brothers want to save the firm, however their means as to how to accomplish that end are vastly different: one chooses the ethical route, while the other eyes a more devious path to recovery.
The stage play’s narrative, Mr. Sagnia said, fitted seamlessly into the HOVENSA saga (albeit with a few tweaks) and Mr. Sagnia decided to turn the story into a movie. In the film, the two brothers own an investment firm that began bleeding money once the refinery shuttered, as its customers and some of its employees were tied to the facility in one way or another.
“We decided to make the island a part of the character in relation to the HOVENSA situation,” Mr. Sagnia said, adding that the actually name of the facility was not used because they did not receive permission to do so.
Even so, the brothers’ struggle of saving their father’s company remains the focus of the 93-minute film, with scenes shot at various locations here.
“I think people get excited when they can see or relate to something that they know. And we have a lot of scenes in St. Croix — aerial footage of certain buildings, the oil refinery, certain roads that they’re familiar with — and I think that’s what excites people,” he said. “And I believe that the film is professional enough. It looks great.”
Film producer and musician Peter Sagnia.
Mr. Sagnia, 42, is also the music director at Victorious Believers Ministries, and has released multiple recordings. While he has been producing films for 5 years, Mr. Sagnia has been in the theater business for 25 years.
As for what’s coming up, Mr. Sagnia said he would like to produce some short films before another feature effort, and eventually get his products into film festivals. He also hopes to build a solid fanbase, and Mr. Sagnia intends to improve his craft — to the point that his work stands toe-to-toe with Hollywood products.
“I want my films to be able to stand up with whatever’s coming out of Hollywood and become better. And that’s what I’m working towards,” he said.
Some of the all-local cast include Colin Crusoe, Tyler Olson, Becca Mendelson, Sayeeda Carter and Mark Saladino — all noted actors who perform at the Caribbean Community Theater and other locations.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 before showing, and can be purchased here. and $15 at the door, as it’s a red carpet affair. Mr. Sagnia’s other products, including films and music, can be purchased here.
Correction: January 17, 2015
A previous version of this article incorrectly listed the ticket price of That Which Is Needful at $10. Tickets for the film are $12 before and $15 at the door, being that it’s a red carpet event. We’ve updated the story to reflect the correct information.
Tags: movie, peter sagnia, that which is needful
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